The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Department of State Services (DSS), has filed charges against suspects allegedly linked to the recent deadly attacks in Yelwata, Benue State.
According to the charge, the attacks at Abinsi and Yelwata villages of Benue State were carried out on June 13, 2025, by one Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, in partnership with others still at large, which are offenses punishable under Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act (TPPA), 2022.
Others still at large and accused of also being involved in the Yelwata attacks include Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, and Pyeure Damina, which was endorsed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Muhammad Abubakar.
The suspects were also accused of acting in violation of section 29 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
In a separate 3-count charge, 2 other suspects identified as Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both from Guma LGA of Benue State, were also accused of conducting reprisal attacks against suspects involved in Abinsi and Yelwata killings.
The duo were accused of attending and participating in a meeting and obtaining locally made guns and AK-47 rifles, leading “to the commissioning of acts of terrorism, causing destruction to private property resulting in the economic loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village, Benue state,” which is contrary to sections 12 and 13 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.
No date has been fixed for trial yet.